Pet Wiki

Field Spaniel

A soft-natured, sensitive spaniel that is calm at home yet keen and energetic outdoors.

SizeMedium
Weight18 to 25 kg (40 to 55 lb)12
Height46 cm (18 in)1
Lifespan13.1 years23
CoatLong, flat, silky single coat
OriginEngland.12
GroupRetrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs (FCI group 8)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
Gentle and docile
Sensitive and eager
Tireless in the field
14

Personality what they are like

A soft-natured, sensitive spaniel that is calm at home yet keen and energetic outdoors. It tends to be more laid back than a Cocker, has an independent streak, and is usually patient with children and friendly with other dogs when well socialised.124

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Field Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, flat, silky single coat

A glossy, flat-lying coat with a silky feel that resists weather well, with feathering on the ears, chest, underside and back of the legs. It should never be curly or wiry.12

Coloursblackblack and tanblue roanblue roan and tanliverliver and tanliver roanliver roan and tan1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A working gundog built for flushing and retrieving, so it needs daily walks plus off-lead running or scent games.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular brushing keeps the silky coat and feathering free of tangles; the long ears are worth checking after outings.2

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and does best as a companion that shares everyday country life with its people.12

The story where it all began

The Field Spaniel came from crosses of Sussex-type and Cocker spaniels in the late 1800s, first as a black show spaniel. After two near disappearances, breeders rebuilt it in the mid-20th century as a sounder working dog, partly with English Springer blood, and The Kennel Club restored its championship status in 1969.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Only 51 Field Spaniels were registered with The Kennel Club in 2009, the fewest of any spaniel breed that year.2

  2. 2

    The modern breed traces back to just four dogs from the 1950s.2

  3. 3

    A Field Spaniel named Ch. Obo, born in 1879, is a shared ancestor of today's English Cocker Spaniels.2

  4. 4

    A 2024 UK study found Field Spaniels living about 13.1 years on average, above the purebred average of 12.7.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Field Spaniel' comes from its original purpose as a flushing and retrieving dog used for field work, specifically hunting in rough cover and water. The term 'spaniel' itself traces back to ancient origins, but the 'Field' designation distinguishes this breed as a working gundog for the field.1

Name ideas for your new friend

WillowBrambleCloverHazelRustyDeweyMeadowPippinDaisyBarleySkyeFern

A day in the life told by a Field Spaniel

I wake to the soft creak of the back door. My human's hand brushes my ears, and I stretch, ready for the day. We pad into the garden, where dewy grass tickles my paws. I sniff every corner, finding yesterday's squirrel scent. Later, we walk through the woods; I bound ahead, then circle back to check on my human. When a leaf flutters, I pounce, tail wagging. At home, I curl on the rug, watching the light shift. A gentle pat tells me I'm exactly where I belong.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 123, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 2 Flushing Dogs.1
The Royal Kennel Club
Recognised; listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed.2
AKC
Recognised (Sporting Group).4

Popularity 51 Kennel Club registrations in the UK2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Field Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your adult Field Spaniel at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. The exact times can fit your daily routine, so ask your vet for a schedule that works best for your dog.5

What should a Field Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Offer a high-quality dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, and garlic as listed by the ASPCA. For portion sizes, follow the food label and check with your vet.6

How often should I bathe a Field Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, while the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Adjust the frequency based on how dirty your dog gets, and always use a gentle dog shampoo.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Field Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Field Spaniel's silky coat every two days to keep it free of tangles, as Pet Wiki suggests. Daily brushing is ideal for long coats, especially on the feathering, to maintain that glossy look.72 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Field Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim your Field Spaniel's nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if you're unsure.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Field Spaniel need?

This energetic gundog needs daily walks plus off-lead running or scent games to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least an hour of activity each day, as Pet Wiki's plan recommends.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Field Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your Field Spaniel's teeth every two days (daily is ideal) using dog toothpaste. Check and dry its floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.72 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Field Spaniel live?

Field Spaniels typically live around 13 years, with some enjoying even longer lives. With good care and regular vet checkups, you can look forward to many happy years together.23

Is a Field Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, a well-socialised Field Spaniel is usually patient with children and friendly with other dogs. It bonds closely with its family and thrives in a home where it can share everyday life.124

Can a Field Spaniel be left alone?

Field Spaniels form strong bonds with their people and prefer company, so they may struggle with long periods alone. How well they cope varies by individual, so ask a good breeder or a vet for advice on training for alone time.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

English Cocker SpanielSussex SpanielEnglish Springer Spaniel

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 123 Field Spaniel fci.beused for group, size, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Field Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, registrations, fun facts
  3. UK dog longevity study (2024), cited via Wikipedia pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govused for lifespan
  4. Field Spaniel - AKC akc.orgused for recognition, temperament
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.